Product Review: Nordic Ware Mini Heritage Bundt Pan from Williams-Sonoma

I got this lovely Mini Heritage Cake Pan for Christmas and couldn't wait to try it out. I wanted something like a mini loaf pan that I could make my pumpkin bread and other things in, but this one is so much more fancy than just a regular old loaf pan. I was nervous the cake would stick but I read every single comment on Williams-Sonoma.com and it gets great reviews so I thought I would give it a try.

I whipped up a box of cake mix I had on hand, sprayed the pan with non cooking spray and dusted it with flour before pouring the batter. They only took about 20 minutes to bake, then I let them sit on the cooling rack for another 10 minutes. Then turning it over and with a few enthusiastic taps (bangs) on the bottom of the pan, they came out beautifully.

If I had time, I would have photographed them with a dusting of powdered sugar and cute packaging. 

I was very pleased with my pretty little cakes! I'm very happy with this product and can't wait to use it again. (No one paid me to say this, just thought I'd share.)

The Friday Four Roundup #11 {Product Review and a Pinterest Fail}

I you haven't already, make sure to check out my Early Fall tour {here}. I say early because in a few weeks we will need to add some Halloween decor, and then my favorite, Thanksgiving!

1. Speaking of fall, not only did I add some touches to my house, I also found some super cure fall wallpaper for my "electronic devices." I just searched "fall wallpaper for iphone" on pinterest. When you see something you like on your phone you can just touch it and some options will come up and click "save image" which will go straight to your photo album on your phone. Then go to settings and update your wallpaper. Note: I could not save the image in my pinterest app, only if I went on pinterest through safari.

2. After doing a ton of research online and on the Ulta website, I discovered this Loreal true match mineral powder foundation got really great reviews. I decided to give it a try especially since I found that it was cheaper in my shade at Target.com than it was anywhere else, even Walmart. I LOVE it. I have tried BareMinerals for several years and also Loreal true match liquid foundation and this is very comparable to BareMinerals, if not better, and at less than half the price! I do need to use translucent powder to control shine over it, but it really gives a natural look and it so easy to use. (I am not paid to say any of this! All opinions in this post are my own!)

3. PINNED AND TRIED: homemade dry shampoo. After I ran out of my Suave dry shampoo, I decided to try this all natural recipe I found online by simply mixing equal parts baking soda and cornstarch. I found this shaker that was exactly like the one the original blogger used for like a buck. Umm, I don't know if it's just me, but it comes out way too much at a time, and pretty much made me look like I was trying to wear a powder wig. I only did it in a few spots that needed it. I rubbed it in like crazy and finally threw it in a ponytail to cover it because I was in a hurry. By the end of the day, the spots were really itchy and there was major powder under my fingernails from scratching. (gross). So I would say this is a Pinterest Fail. (!) Then I went and bought my beloved Suave dry shampoo. Definitely worth the three and a half bucks!

4. Lastly... "YOU'VE got mail. Those are very powerful words." (Name that movie) My awesome Sis in law Karen was so sweet to send me this mag after I told her I was wanting to read it but couldn't find it anywhere in my very small, very rural town. It really brightened my day. Now, go take a few minutes and go mail someone some love. You'll both be glad you did. And that's all for today's public service announcement.

I hope you have a great weekend! ~ Rebecca

Guest Post Product Review: Nutraluxe Lash MD {natural, full, long, beautiful eyelashes}

This post was written by my bestie, Nicole. She is a fantastic wife, mother of three, and chef behind the blog The Very Hungry Caterpillar. She asked me if I would like to feature this product review after she tried it and loved it since I like to do these types of beauty reviews here on my blog. After reading her story, I  would love to try it too! I think after you read it you will agree that the results are amazing!

(This is not a sponsered post, just something we do for fun).
Take it away, Nicole!

  
I was in getting a pedicure one day and this girl next to me had the most amazing lashes. I complimented her on them and I expected her to say she had extensions in, but instead she said she used this product "Nutraluxe Lash MD". She had tried Latise and a few others but liked this one the best. So I went home and jumped on Amazon and ordered it right away, When I received it I read: do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Great, I was pregnant then and I would be breastfeeding.... so it sat in my drawer for a year. It had a two year expiration on it and longer if never opened so I waited. I just finished nursing my baby back in the beginning of June. That day I busted this product out. It took about 4 weeks to see much difference, but then every month it keeps getting better. It will reach its optimal results in another few weeks- it said around 4 months. I have loved this product. Before I go to bed at night I take one swipe across my eyelid like a liquid eyeliner and that is it.... I read so many reviews before I started it and a few mentioned it made their eyes more sensitive or red around the skin in the morning, but I have not noticed anything. I make sure I do not rub my eyes at night though....

before and 8 months pregnant

after

It has turned my almost non-existent lashes into full beautiful lashes. The lashes are much thicker, a little darker and way longer and curlier. I just have one one coat of mascara here and I did not curl my lashes, like I normally would.... The girl who recommended it to me said each tube lasts for 6-9 months. I will probably buy another now to make sure I do not run out then go without for a while... it is under $30 per tube, it is much less expensive than extensions and more natural looking than fake lashes.....

http://www.amazon.com/Nutra-LUXE-Physican-Formulated-Ophthalmologist-Tested/dp/B001WAKUUC/ref=pd_sim_bt_1

Product Features

Alcohol FREE, Chemical FREE, Paraben FREE, Fragrance FREE, Perservative FREE, Physician Formulated, Ophthalmologist Safety Tested
Helps your lashes reach their full potential in LENGTH, FULLNESS, AND DARKNESS
Promotes hydration and helps lashes and brows to appear shiny and strong
Promotes healthy follicles, softens brittle lashes and brows & improves elasticity
Helps lashes and brows to stay longer by making lashes more flexible

Thanks, Nicole! The results are stunning. Have you tried anything like this? Have you had any great results from a beauty product that has see it to believe it claims? Let me know in the comments section.



Product Review: I Have Found It! {Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes/ awesome mascara!!!}

So if you follow my blog, you know abouty quest to find the perfect mascara after they took my precious away. I wrote about it here http://www.rebeccasroundup.blogspot.com/2010/07/so-bummed-no-more-max-factor-need-help.html
and here
http://www.rebeccasroundup.blogspot.com/2011/07/product-review-opi-loreal.html
After using the Loreal Voluminous I started liking it more because it got less clumpy. It did a good job and was a good price. When I ran out I decided to take it a step further and find out if what J-Lo claimed on the Loreal commercials was really true.
Holy. Lashes. LOVE it. I am so excited I have finally found an awesome mascara! It's all true!!!! Not only do they make my lashes look amazing, I can build my coverage from casual to dramatic as much as I want and the brush is crazy- it's like a ton of tiny needles that run through and separate each lash for incredible definition and make them look almost false. ( did anyone else use needles to separate their lashes as a teenager? Or was it just crazy me? My mom told me that tip by the way, so its not just me!)
This is an affordable, drug store product that you can buy with coupons or discounts which is even better.
I highly recommend this mascara. I give it 5 out of 5 and I am so happy to say my quest is finally over!!!
Has anyone else used this product? What mascara do you love?

Product Review: Wet n' Wild blue nail polish

Did you know that blue nail polish is a major trend for 2011? I am usually a deep purple, red, or pink girl. But when I read about everyone's blue crush this year, I couldn't wait to get my hands on a great turquoise color. I have a lot of turquoise in my wardrobe as well as dark green, orange and brown for fall which are fantastic complimentary colors. So I found a fun little bottle of Wet n' Wild wild shine nail color in Bijou Blue for a buck.
I did have to do at least 3 good coats to get the level of intensity I wanted and next time I might go 4, but being usually bright nail- color shy, I must say I was happy with the results. The best part? It's a fun color that my little girls can wear too :)
Have you found any must- have nail colors for 2011?

101 Things I Hate About Your House

I just got a present in the mail! I won a giveaway from the wonderful ladies over at The Skirted Roundtable. They talked about the new book by premier designer James Swan, 101 Things I Hate About Your House. Intrigued, I listened to their interview and left a comment. Good thing I did, cause then I won this:

A brand new and signed copy of the new book. I already read the whole thing! It is a quick read, but good info for those who need help. Most of it was common sense to me, but hey, I realize not all people think about these things and that's ok!

Interested? Good! Cause I am selling it to one lucky person through my ebay shop! Take a look here.

To learn more or listen to the interview, or to just check out the great blog The Skirted Roundtable, you can check that out here.

Come back and tell me what you think!

Product Review: OPI & Loreal

My first review is of OPI's nail laquer in "at first sight." It is a nice nude color that gives your nail a naturally polished look for those quieter fashion moods. The thing I love about all OPI nail laquers is that they are good quality, thick and last for days. They have a zillion colors so it's easy to find one to match your mood! I love having a more subtle color on my fingernails and a more bright color on my toenails.

I would give this particular color a 4 out of 5.

Next up, on my continuing search for the perfect mascara, I tried Loreal's Voluminous Mascara in black with the curved brush. I am not so happy with this one. It looks clumpy, it leaves residue even after I wash my face, and I try to apply a ton of layers and it still doesn't give me the fullness I want.

On the plus side it is found at most stores and it is on the cheaper price range. I would give this a 2 out of 5.

So the search continues...

Product Update: Frizz-Ease

If you saw the product review I did a couple of days ago here and want to try it out, I have some news for you! This week, Rite Aid has a $1 rebate off their cost of $4.99. Plus, there is a $2 off manufacturer's coupon in most Sunday papers which makes the final cost $1.99! It might be for the smaller size ( I will find out when I go get it) but it's still a great deal. You have to have a Rite Aid card but you can get one at the checkout, you just fill out your name and address. Happy Bargain Shopping!

PRODUCT REVIEW: FRIZZ-EASE, a new fave!

Have you ever tried a product to find that... it actually does what it claims?! I have had a sample of this miracle serum for a long time and I finally decided to pull it out and try it. I AM SOLD. My hair was so smooth and shiny and NOT FRIZZY, I just couldn't believe it! And I wasn't the only one; every time my husband looked at me he made a comment about how beautiful I looked and how frizz free my hair was, probably for the 1st time he's ever known me. Sad, I know. Some of us just can't help the frizz! So if you're like me, you've got to try this product. It is about $8 at Walmart which you may think is expensive, but you use a tiny amount, and come ON, it will make your hair beautiful = totally worth it.
Have you ever tried this product?
Do you have any miracle beauty products?